Don't Complicate

how much can change in a year?

2007-02-04T21:15:00.000-05:00

I created this blog exactly one year ago. Thought i'd let the few of you who might care, know.

for my boy

2007-01-31T17:54:00.000-05:00

I’ve gone through phases where I wore lots of rings
Silver
Classy but modern
Not gold
My grandma wears gold rings
But it never lasted
I always lost one and then another
Until the phase of a thousand rings had dwindled to nothing
Nothing but green stains
Rings of memories wrapped around my empty fingers
I must have been too young
Careless
But I loved my rings
How could they all just disappear

I took a break
Wore necklaces
I still have them all
They all hang together
I wear a different one every day
And everyone says they look pretty
And I like wearing them
But I keep trying rings
Only one at a time
They’re easier to keep track of that way
If I wear only one all the time
Even when I sleep
There’s no where it can go
But they all leave
Last maybe up to a month
Rarely more
They were all different
Different seasons
All pretty
And all gone

I have a ring now
For a long time, more then a month
It’s not like any of the others
It’s plain
Almost childish
Like the kinds that came in those quarter machines
Wrapped in big plastic bubbles
But it’s not
It’s old
It sits perfectly on my finger and doesn’t leave any stain
It feels like it’s a part of me
And I’m proud to be wearing it
It doesn’t match any of my necklaces
But I wear it anyway
My grandma gave it to my mom
And she to me

It’s gold

the future's made of...

2006-08-01T21:29:00.000-04:00

HI!!
This is a post that I wrote on Wednesday around five I think, not sure. Anyways.. my dad’s computer is so damn slow that when publishing didn’t work the first time I gave up. So here’s something to whet your whistle until I get around to posting again.
Hey there everybody,
i have a free hour or so at the moment and i was just checking up on the old email and blogosphere, and i thought, hell why not post something
and so i will.
Tonight is going to be very interesting. As you all know I am in a fancy condo, in downtown Vancouver that my father is renting for the next few weeks from a very important documentary director/editor.
Oh and as a side note, this guy is way awesome; there are certificates and awards all over the house. INCLUDING an Oscar. And so folks, I guess if the legend holds true, I will never win an Oscar since I have picked one up and just like they say, it certainly is heavy.
So back to the point at hand. Because my father and step mother (susan) are in this amazing condo, with the most beautiful view of the high-rises and mountains, they have decided to host a party for all of their friends.
Tonight is the opening night of some fireworks festival or something (0f which we will also have a beautiful view), apparently Vancouver hosts some of the best firework displays in the world, and each night is themed.
Tonight being Italy, so it's gonna be big, not only because it's opening night, but because of the world cup results.
So I’m not exactly sure what to wear tonight, I don’t want to be too fancy, but it is going to be at least a four course meal affair, so I don't really want to look too shabby, what a dilemma.
what is a girl to do?
So my home of the next week is soon to be filled with fifteen to twenty strangers most likely to arrive around seven.
Dinner is at eight thirty,
and the fireworks at ten.
I just finished rolling the cutlery and am now on break until my step sister (allison) arrives with the cutting boards soon to be decorated by yours truly and turned into cheese trays.
Now as most of you know i'm not the biggest fan of big crowds, especially those that are entirely composed of strangers. But the best part of it is that some of them probably don't even know that I exist, or have recently been warned of my presence at this party, so there will be lots of questions.
The usual, how old are you, where'd you grow up, what grade, what do I want to do after highschool?
that's always the best one.
I’m sure ellen can relate, at least before you got into ryerson and have proof that you can actually act,
I hate the look I get when I say I plan on going into acting.
It's almost a look of pity.
'Oh you poor disillusioned thing, I hope you forget that silly little dream soon and find the real world. '
It's a look I get allot, especially from my dad's side of the family, since they don't know me very well.
transition
I should probably start getting ready,
Soon enough I’ll be needed in the kitchen again.
My dad is barbequing some kind of expensive fish, he's very excited, it’s white, and I’m not sure what it is...
Oh that reminds me,
I have officially witnessed the grossest thing ever.
The first day I got here, my father, Susan, and I headed over to the market on Granville island (about a ten minute walk away, it's a fantastic place)
So we went to the fish market so they could start getting ideas and begin planning the dinner menu of their party.
I can handle allot when it comes to meat, I’ve been to butcher shops, etc...
but I just hate when you see the giant fish laying on ice with their heads and scales, and eyes all there , basically alive looking only with a big slice down their belly in order to remove the organs and such.
It's horrible I’ve always hated it, even when I ate fish I always thought it was the grossest thing ever.
But on Monday I found out it's actually a big bucket of just the heads that is most definitely worse!

So there's my story,
Don’t eat fish heads, it's just wrong,
Keep smiling,
And remember I love you all,
All the damn time,
Hearts,
Nora

ice age, heat wave, can't complain

2006-07-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

Hey there,
I decided I was going to be a hell of a lot cooler then the majority of you ( Ben and Blake excluded) and make another post, one of tad more substance then the past few. Problem is I don’t really I have a plan on what to say, so stay with me folks.
Basically I also felt the need to post and say
Screw you suckers, I’m getting outa here for a week and going as far as the country limits will permit!
I’m actually very much looking forward to the five hour flight. Getting to spend some quality quiet time with myself, air Canada radio (because I lost my discman about six to seven months ago), perhaps an interesting in flight movie, sudoku, and a good book.
However I will admit that I am a bit nervous about getting into the Vancouver airport alone. Back in the day when I used to fly alone to see my dad, I was twelve, so I was one of those kids that you saw wearing those stupid necklaces with big UM ( unaccompanied minor) printed in bold red letter, and frequently visited, by flight attendants, and accompanied until met by a guardian. I hated it then… did I ever, however it occasionally meant I got bumped up to first class to be closer to the attendants, which was nice. Anyway… I just hope that the big crowd of people I plan on following don’t lead me a stray.
After the hustle and bustle, worrying and over thinking that most definitely will eat me alive I will be at ease to enjoy eight days of Vancouver. Oh and my father, the one who lives in the middle east and deals with ridiculous temperatures daily, informed me today that the temperature in Vancouver is deathly and unbearably hot. Oh Joy.
Oh and on a completely different topic I received a letter yesterday or so that I just saw laying here on the desk which triggered the recollection of this little annoyance. Since I am a valued customer to Bell they felt the need to inform me that they are, to be effective as of august seventeenth, taking a dollar off every phone card I put on instead of the seventy five cents they removed before in order to allows me to have unlimited 911 calling.
What is this?? Um… you know if it’s an emergency: fire, car crash yata yata, I don’t really care if they charge me for the call.
However when there are no accidents, I would like to…um…. Not pay. But I’m unemployed, and cheap. It’s only a dollar; to be honest I didn’t know that they were taking away that seventy five cents to begin with, so the letter was just a waste of paper. But then again, I liked it, everyone likes to get mail. At least I definitely do… hint, hint…
Not that anyone knows my mailing address.
So I am starting to get super hungry… which makes no sense since I ate a very large supper… but whatevski’s … I could open the crispers I bought for myself on the plane ride…but that’s a terrible idea.
It’s eleven thirty and I have yet to complete packing.
Ok it’s past eleven thirty and I have yet to begin packing. However I did lay out all of my clean clothes, and carried my suit case up to my room. So really all I have left to do is put the clothes in to the suit case…after I sort through all of the clothes and decide on what I do and do not need…
But hey, suit case in room, that’s a place to start.
Alright so.. I should be off.
I hope you all have a good week, it’s not like I’m going to be gone long at all, I really wish it was for much longer, at least two weeks to really get a change… but beggars can’t be choosers.
So best wishes,
Stay happy,
Don’t forget to sleep, a well rested person is more likely to be a happy person.
Keep smiling even though you don’t have me to cheer you up,
And love me when I get back?

`ndog

Does Anyone Even Check In On The Blogosphere Anymore?

2006-07-14T14:59:00.000-04:00

I doubt it.

If things are otherwise, please post a comment correcting mineself, or even better POST SOMTHING?

~ndog

2006-07-08T22:09:00.000-04:00

All's fair in Love and War

resolutions
sunshine
valentines
smiles
revolutions

love you all,
n. smith

so underrated-jump right : so over-rated jump left

2006-06-21T18:09:00.000-04:00

Well I was just doing the rounds through the blogosphere when I realized I am at risk of receiving comments such as, ‘it has been exactly one month since your last post’ and other remarks relating to my lack of regular posting much like I leave on other’s blogs, because irregular posting tends to drive me bonkers. ]
However over the past month I haven’t really had time to care, I stopped my daily checking of blogs, and soon enough it became a weekly thing. I do after all talk to just about everyone who reads my blog on a minimum of a weekly basis.
School is almost over. My last full day of class was today, and it was most definitely the longest day of the school year. Usually the last day of school is exciting and high paced even though everyone is on edge about exams, tired of sitting in desks and antsy to get into the beautiful weather. Today was not like this.
Number one: my bus arrived to the school about ten minutes before usual… how is this possible? Does this mean that the bus driver has all of a sudden realized that there is a faster route that she is permitted to take and has been holding out me this entire time, and therefore the time of departure should be ten minutes later giving me an extra ten minutes of rest?
Number Two: I had an assignment due today, meaning I was up late last night doing homework. Yes, an assignment due on the last day…
Number three: comm. Tech is sooo boring when the internet is blocked and every possible thing you could do for marks has already been handed in. Let’s face it, if I don’t get marks, I’m not interested… I don’t really enjoy this communications technology business. So I basically just sat in my chair staring at my computer, occasionally watching my claymation, or day in the life… and listening to Simon and Garfunkle’s Sound of Silence on repeat ( because it is the only song I have in my G drive and because it’s awesome) for seventy five minutes.
I then headed to English class (which went by rather quickly). It was the class before the exam you get to prep for the essay.
Then I headed to drama class.
Number Four: Mr. Espo decided that our last day in class should be a class coffee house, this decision was made yesterday. He also neglected to make a public announcement of this fact to the entire class, so some had prepared, others had no idea, and a few, like myself, had heard through the grape vine but weren’t willing to put any extra effort into something Mr. Esposito had never even confirmed.
I have nothing against my drama class, it was fine class...nothing too special… but it is not exactly what you would call a coffee house talent kind of class. So after a few good songs… a wonderful reading by myself and Beth from a poetry book I happened to have in my locker… and uh… other then that… it was simply me sitting staring at the second hand on my watch checking to see if it was still moving.
Lunch rolls around and no one seems to have stayed (as usual) and it is raining outside so Beth and I sit in the cafeteria for a while and then park ourselves in our usual hall sitting spot. *tick* *tick*

*tick*
…..

*tick*

So I then went to religion where we went over about fifty five (or so) world religion symbols.
*tiiiiick……..*

The bell rings… hallelujah

So there was my final full day of the eleventh grade for you all in a nut shell, I really should be going. That assignment thing I mentioned was an interpretive collage for English on The Diviners. (Oh and as note to you all, do not read Margaret Laurence’s The Diviners…. Consider yourselves warned)
Anyway, my entire basement floor is covered in magazine clippings, and I really should clean that up before my mother has a reason to descend into this mess. It’s probably also a good idea for me to study for my comm. tech exam, since Bissell was embarrassed at how quickly some people finished the grade eleven comm. tech exam last year he has chosen to almost double it in length.

And so I bid you farewell, for the moment. I’m sure I’ll be seeing most of you shortly.

~nora

prooooooo...crasti ..something

2006-05-22T19:06:00.000-04:00

I have an ISP essay to write.
......
I have just completed alphabetizing my links section.
I was just so worried you would all get so worked up and think it was some sort of class sytem of my friends...i felt i had to abolish any such thoughts immediately.

void

2006-05-17T16:37:00.000-04:00

it's wednesday.... i don't have playmakers.

'hello darkness my old friend'

~ndog

my mind:

2006-05-12T23:43:00.000-04:00

Hamlet.... hamlet hAmlet HAmlet HamLEt
hamleT hamLET haMlet hamLEt HaMlEt hamlet HAMLET
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet Hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet
hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet hamlet.....

you can only fight the animal for so long... until you become it and it becomes you.

lust, by hawksley workman... sheer brilliance....
hear it, you'll be better for it

No sissies get your love, No actors for your love.

2006-05-02T17:33:00.000-04:00

mmmmm… so fatigued … oh so fatigued…
anyhoo… that’s really the update for you there.
I’m tired. I have been feeling this way for quite some time… actually now that I think about it I may just mean the past two days… I can’t really remember… it’s all been smudged together creating a large blur of lessons, locations and familiar faces.
All I know is that I woke up this morning to my mother saying, “ damnit, I forgot about you” it really is the best way to wake. She then informed me that I had about ten minutes to get ready to catch my bus, and that if I missed it she would be unable to drive me and there would be serious repercussions.
Thusly the statement, ‘what, did you get dressed in the dark this morning?’ in all senses applied to myself today.
I wasn’t that bad around second period… I had moved past the poor average bolded on my report card and was pleased with the results of my great Gatsby essay returned to me in the last few minutes of English class( of which I have in detail explained the grievances caused me, in past)
However I then headed to drama class… looking forward to sharing the good news with my dearest Beth… who chose to skip third and thusly left me in a terribly boring, trying, and somewhat useless class.
Then lunch came… and Beth and mine self had a terrible run in with some grey goop… You know that silicone stuff. The stuff you use to put in cracks and spaces and stuch to seal and all that jazz. Well our school decided to reapply this substance to that wall thing around the chapel that everyone sits on…they also chose to not place any cover, sign, and /or warning of any kind. And of course seeing as how it was such a lovely beautiful day Beth and I decided to enjoy our lunches outside in the lovely sun, on the wall, and subsequently the grey goop.
Luckily I only got it on my hands, however miss McCall was not so lucky, she sat directly on it... and it did in no way feel the need to detach itself when she stood up,
so first we had to remove the ties between Beth and the stone wall, we then had to get inside in order to wash out hands, and Beth’s pants. There may or may not now be grey hand prints on the doors of St. Mikes… and the bathroom door… and taps… and the soap dispensers. If you ever see such things, think of me.
Spent about twenty minutes trying to get this dreadfully clingy matter off, it was terribly difficult. We then decide to go sit outside and watch others make the same mistake for the rest of lunch to lighten our sprits… sadly there were no more victims.
I then enjoyed a fire drill during fifth period and then slept during the work time provided.
Way to be Nora way to be. Is it really only midterm now?? Ugh...

Some good news:
I have qualified for the provincial level of Kiwanis, and my winning last year does not affect my eligibility. Speech Arts is the only category where you may return after winning, isn’t it thrilling. It’s in the second week of June or somewhere around there. It’s only in London at Western… so no exciting trips for me or anything. But it should be nice… At least I have a hard copy of my narrative poem. I’ll get my butt kicked by Andrew, but all in good fun. I’m assuming he’ll be in my age group this time… we are after all … the same age.
Sadly however the adjudicator seemed to have recommended for me to make a new choice of monologue… I find this a bit unsettling, since I thought this to be the strongest component of my concert… but … such is life.

So that’s about it… I have to go memorize absurd amounts of lines for drama class now. And the rest of my narrative poem, and choose a new lyric poem. Oh and my grade twelve English ISP presentation is on Friday… I might want to give that a little thought as well…
why am I even taking the time to write this…
I clearly care for you all far too much!

After all you’re all young; you’re all lethal and young.

Oh how I love thee Hawksley Workman

~ n dog and the amazing bowl of popcorn… mmm…

ATTENTION

2006-04-23T17:10:00.000-04:00

To anyone who is looking for myself as wife, ( there are clearly millions) here’s some tips…

I am…

You Are Right Brained In Love

Bit of a drama queen
Peacemaker, first to end a fight
Good at thinking up creative dates
Tend to fall in love and get hurt easily
Going with your gut instead of your head
Emphathetic and caring, sometimes to a fault
Good at recognizing patterns in relationships
Been in love many times, perhaps too many to count
Wildly passionate and intense when falling in love
Spontaneous with relationships, going with the flow
Overly visual - can play back past dates like movies in your mind
Roses, love poems, and stuffed animals are a good start to winning your heart

Are You Right Brained or Left Brained in Love?

Also …

You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy
You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on
You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time.
Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need varity!
Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along.

Are You An Extrovert or Introvert?

I am ( and love)…

You are a Dark Red Rose

You represent unconscious beauty and deep passion.

Your vibe: sophisticated and worldly

Falling in love with you is: wildly carnal and forbidden

What Color Rose Are You?

I will be…

What kind of bride will you be

You Will Be a Modern Bride!

While you aren't ready to throw away all wedding tradions, you want a wedding with a twist
You're more inspired by celebrity weddings on E! than from bridal magazines
Whether this means getting married on the beach barefoot or a mariachi band for the reception...
Your wedding will be a blend of old and new - white dress cocktail, personalied vows, whatever suites you!!!

What Kind of Bride Will You Be?

Still Interested?...

Your Ideal Marriage Proposal Is

A Christmas proposal, with lots of snow and city lights.

What's Your Ideal Marriage Proposal?

So there it is for you fellas,
But please don’t fight; I’m already beating them off with a stick.

Any hoo… now that I’ve had my fun, an update

I am excited that soon the world shall return to the way it should be and I will be surround by those I love most.

I should currently be practicing for Kiwanis, which is taking place this Tuesday, if you would like to come visit me, and or watch… ( first of do not get your hopes up)
Concert Performance 12 - 14, 15 - 16
Session: Afternoon Date: Tuesday, April 25, 1:30 pmHall: Greenwood Court Auditorium (Map it)

CLASS: 7251a Adjudicator(s): Mary Neill

#
Entrant
1
Catherine Umolac
2
Nora Smith
3
Brandon Wicke
4
Tom Beattie

Um… I have yet to find a hard copy of my narrative poem.. so I may or may not actually get to do this thing…. If you have been reading my previous posts you will be well aware of how much that would bother me.

And… um not much else to say…

........

my basement is cold

good night and good luck.

Bunches of love
~ndog

Just incase...

2006-04-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

okay so i just sent out a mass email as i often do on such occasions such as the first snow fall... christmas, halloween, valentines yata yata etc etc... wishing a happy easter to one and all, however incase i missed some one i feel the need to post it as well!

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Love you ALL!

~ndog

NEW Post New Post!!

2006-04-15T11:26:00.000-04:00

Why you may ask, and to those who do ask said question I respond,
because the last was boring and long.

So it’s a beautiful, beautiful day today, and I look forward to enjoying some fresh air today. I am most shocked at the fact that I rose at ten (am) this lovely Saturday and eve of Easter. And plan on using the added length to the day to my advantage.
The sun doth shine, and my mother has gracefully agreed to take me into Stratford so that I may enjoy this exquisite day with one Miss. McCall.
It will be a day filled with cloud watching, laughter, wandering and everything and anything else one’s heart may desire.
I am in such a wonderful mood.
Can you tell??
This is message for Ben,
Darling I do not seem to know your phone number, and although I know I could simply rifle through my mother’s little paper stash, and records to get it, I may get yelled at, so if you could send me that lovely information via email or something that would be phenominal. Or anyone else who has Ben’s number really.
I had planned on seeing what you were up to last night but then I ran into the previously mentioned predicament.
So let’s fix such situations.

I cannot wait to see most of you very soon, and as for those readers who are already partying chez S. dot I am happy you’re here!
So if that made any sense, let’s all smile together and be happy. Like me!!

Love Always:
One Miss Eleanor Mary Smith

P.S. Carl has a blog, isn’t it so terribly exciting.
He is only expecting Ellen, Liam, Blake, and Ben to give a read so let’s all surprise him and let him know about the large community we have built for ourselves.

Anyways…. I’m off!

2006-04-09T20:33:00.000-04:00

EVIL, I've come to tell you that she's evil,
most definitely

Blog blog blogeddy blog blog… hmmm….

I have been listening to a lot of Sublime today,
And the only place that gets me to, is a frustrated one.

WHERE ARE YOU SUMMER??
And why oh why are you taking sooo damn long???

So how is it with everyone? Well? I certainly hope all is well.
So I talked to my father today for the first time in a while… that was nice... short and sweet really. He’s coming to Canada in May to check on some things, and has plans to visit, so I naturally let him know that if he could be here around the thirteenth he’d get to see Hamlet, which means my brother and his girlfriend might make it down for that too. That makes me smile. Ironically enough I also talked to my brother for the first time since maybe January today. It was a bit of a family reunion. My brother is doing well. And he of course felt the need to rub the fact that he has a mere two weeks left of school in my face, as opposed to my two months and then some. As for all of you who are in the same position… you suck…but who am I kidding? My existence will better itself when you are back, especially with a free bus ride into Stratford daily.
So I talked with me bro about lots a stuff... insignificant really..
-How you been,
-Good… busy
-Oh, what are you up to?
-Busy rehearsing, and schooling.. you know…
- that’s good, what else are you doing?
- um.. rehearsing…
We then talked about our father for a while… (we tend to turn there when we run out of things to say.. it’s common ground)
And that was that, we both had work to get back to. It was lovely break. It actually was, whether or not I made it to sound so. Sometimes I am surprised he’ll call me, it’s nice.
So that work I mentioned… that would be my Great Gatsby Essay. Yah… well on the plus side... I have actually read from chapter four to eight in the past two days. ( Bravo Nora, way to be) so I have some concept of what is going on, and may be able to get this essay done by second period tomorrow. Oh procrastination… why do you think I’m writing a blog right now… let’s be honest people.

What else…
I have a new cell phone. Which I have let you all know about by means of email, which Jordan has let you all know by means of annoyance... etc…
I am not the fondest of having a cell phone, but when it’s free I can’t complain. It’s really just a way for my mother to keep tabs…which is fine by me. Not much to hide.
The first call I received was form a Mr. McKenna, I failed to answer this call. I then received an email chastising me for not answering my phone…
let’s level here..
I get a phone at lets say… noon.
I then let everyone know, at maybe one,
I take the phone downstairs in order to do this (seeing as how I hadn’t yet memorized the number)
I then leave the phone on my computer desk, and go upstairs to clean my room,
I return at maybe two thirty or three.
I have missed a call.
Give me a break.
Anyways, I outwitted the man by answering the next time he called, so there

What else is up…
Kiwanis…
I hate it.
I have the worst narrative poem ever. Why would you choose it then? Because it’s short. I got it from Susan, last week or so, after not committing to a narrative poem when I was supposed to ( that was back in November) and being the organized and careful person that I am:
I lost my copy, before properly memorizing it.
I also fear that I won’t be able to find a hard copy… ugh…
I like monologues... I used to love Kiwanis too, I was the one who every year would pay the extra when it wasn’t a part of class and get the coaching to be in Kiwanis. But now that I have to do it, and not only that, but am supposed to have four different pieces only one of which is a monologue, to be presented in a twenty minute period… with intro to each in a ‘concert’ format… whatever… I don’t want to and you can’t make me... oh wait… apparently I did, and you can.
I’ve done this to myself, and now... I pay the consequences.

How mad do you think mr. selbie would be if I didn’t have an essay tomorrow.hmm.. wait no.. don’t think like that Nora.
You have the rest of your life to sleep.Now is not the time for terrible ideas like that.

I’ve finally realized what Santeria reminds me of.
Carl’s eighteenth birthday, when the Outsiderz were playing at Cactus jack’s.. or The Wild Rose, or whatever it was called at the time. You guys covered that song… Ugh finally, I remember!!
Calder couldn’t play pool to save his life.
Carl was pissed he was spending his birthday sober.
I was wearing those white capris I like never wear.
But it wasn’t a show; it was like an audition or something… so it was just us and the McKenna family. haha..And I was making cranes out of the Starburst wrappers with Caitlyn Aarts.

Huh….There’s a little trip down memory lane for a few of you.

So I suppose I should go Great Gatsby it up for a few hours…
Best wishes,
see you soon. Love Always,
Nora

P.S. Ellen, babe, love you lots, hope you have a blast tonight, and though it’s a bit late, merde.

2006-04-06T17:35:00.000-04:00

Why Must The World Taunt Me So??

Correction,
The Stratford Public Library is now allowing the populace of Tavistock to get free library cards. (yea for Amanda!)
The Stratford Public Library is now allowing the populace of St. Marys....to continue paying seventy dollars for their library cards.
Tavistock, not St. Marys...(the world hates you Nora!)
And so only St. Marys residents are left Stratford Public Library Card -less.

I'm just going to go die now.

Best wishes to all of you and your Library Endeavors.

The Library Cardless,
Eleanor Smith

2006-04-04T20:58:00.000-04:00

I have big news!
Now I realize that few of you will realize the true weight that this statement carries with it, and its wonderful affect on my life. Probably only Ellen will truly understand what a victory this really is. And perhaps a few others.. but I mainly bitched to Ellen about it.Ok so... I’m on my way upstairs and I stop to say good bye to my Uncle Dennis who is on his way out, and suddenly... the phone rings.
Now I don’t know if any of you have this, but my phone has different rings for when it’s a local call or long distance. And the phone rang as to indicate a long distance call
I pay it no real attention, who would be calling me long distance, and start to head up the stairs. But then my mother yells to me, “Nora, it’s Amanda.” Wondering what on earth this could be about, seeing as how I was just with her not four hours ago I turn around and walk to the phone.So I pick up… ok, are you ready… brace yourself, greets me on the other line…yes, I respond excitedly.
WE CAN GET LIBRARY CARDS!
I then jump out of my chair, exclaiming , “Oh My God!!”

There is a bit more to the conversation, basically explaining how the rules have changed.

I WILL SOON BE, (ME, NORA SMITH, RESIDENT OF 99 SOTHVALE ROAD, ST. MARYS, ON. CANADA) THE PROUD OWNER OF A STRATFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY CARD.

So now that you are all convinced that I am insane, I will explain.
A little back up information:
If you live in a town that already has a library, namely St. Marys and Tavistock, you are not allowed to get a Stratford Public Library card. I learned this three years ago. And upon hearing this, I opened my mouth and said, but my mom had a library card here. Which was then taken away form her, the next time she tried used it.
This is fact because The Stratford Library feels it unfair that the small percentage of taxes we pay that go toward the public library system does not go top their hands if your town has a library, and therefore we should not be allowed to take out their books. The whole thing is terribly childish.
And after complaints they implemented a new policy.
If you would like to get a library card at the Stratford Public Library, but live in either St. Marys or Tavistock you may do so, IF you pay a fee,
of seventy dollars a year.
No folks, I am not joking!
They expect seventy dollars.
That is simply ridiculous. And so throughout the past two years I have become known at the Stratford library as ‘the one who wants a library card’. At first I did not let this information stop me. I tried every single librarian on different days, to see if they would forget to ask where I lived.
No Go,
Ok.. I would then try every new person that started working there, hoping that they would forget to ask, or accept the fact that I attended school in Stratford, proven by my student card, as proof of my residence in Stratford.
No Go.
So I gave up for a little while… decided to lay low… see if they acquired any new employees.
My final attempt was just about a year ago to be exact. It was the day of Kiwanis, and I was in dire need of a hard copy of a monologue. So I went with proof of my residence. I had a letter addressed to just an ‘Eleanor’ residing at Ellen’s house. (for those of you that do not know, Ellen’s mother and I share our first name) So I had a plan… everything was going great. I was filling out that sheet request thing. The lady didn’t know me, she was getting out a card to give to me. It was perfect. However she then took a second glance at the address I had provided her.
“Wait… you live with Eleanor Hurley?” (she then begins to look at me suspiciously)
Many different ideas are running through my head… What the fuck.. of course I get the librarian who recognizes the address and knows who lives there...I could pretend I was Ellen, no she’s probably met her, ok, I could just say that I live with them, for the year or something.. No if she knows Mrs. Hurley it may come up… what’s left.
“um… I spend a lot of time there…?”
Stupid answer Nora, stupid, stupid….
The woman then begins to shake her head, and asks me where I live.
I shamefully look to the ground and admit, “St. Mary’s”
I am asked to leave.

But Now!!!!!!!!!!
A year later they can’t say anything. I can show up, with real proof of residence wherever the fuck I please.
I am allowed to have a FREE library card at the Stratford Public Library. Ooo, I don’t even know where to begin... there’s so much…

Any way I just heard the good new and thought I would rush down here and let you all know. OOO I am so excited.

I hope to speak to you all soon. But now, it’s House time.

Love Always, Nora

2006-03-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

The Shit Hath Hiteth the Fan-eth

What I have learned in the past week… or so…

I can no longer coast through all of my classes and expect an above eight average.

I am a crappy stage manager.

I am brilliant at pretending to be a good stage manager.

I can pass the buck like no bodies business.

I am NOT organized.

My assistant stage managers, well at least the smart one ( well smarter I suppose.. they’re both ‘smart’ how about less annoying one, yes one is definitely more annoying then the other) hates me.

I can no longer coast through religion and expect to pass. (Now this sounds ridiculous I realize, however it is in French with Ms. Fontaine, which means I have already been assigned about a million projects, a majority of which were handed out while I was in the DR, and loads of homework every night.)

Sleep is brilliant, and vital to smiles.

Not going to religion doesn’t solve any problems. ( accept boredom)

I don’t get enough sleep.

Talking about things and through things is good.

Talking about things and only partially through = is a bitch.

Techs have their reasons for hating actors. Oh do they ever…

I am not a tech, I am an actor.

I have difficulty memorizing and am fooling myself when I think otherwise

I am failing Comm. Tech.

A good episode of House can be just what the doctor ordered ( or was upset at because she had to miss American Idol)

I love Liam’s long posts ( the most recent ones especially: that are not long only because they are describing some kind of computer related issue or video game, ( this is only because I don’t understand, not that I don’t care))

The people that make you smile are the most important.

The people that don’t make you smile… well aren’t the most important.

I prefer being sixteen to seventeen, just because.

I do like the play of Little Shop of Horrors, I do like the songs of Little shop of Horrors, and I do like the cast of Little Shop of Horrors.

I HATE Little Shop of Horrors.

You can’t help the way you feel.

Sometimes, no matter how much you think you know what is going to happen or be said, you can always be surprised.

Spending three hours (or maybe more) painting a stupid sign can be the most relaxing thing of all time when you have good company.

Ben is good company while painting a stupid sign.

Paint opened in 2001 tends to be watery.

I am bad at folding jackets that have broken clasps.

I am bad at remembering to tell someone that we need more clasps.

My mother can be surprisingly understanding.

My mother can blow things out of proportion.

You can’t always get what you want.

But if you try sometimes, you can get what you need.

I’m sure there’s more but that’s a general outline. No point in me going through the whole my life is boring, nothing to say… and then continuing to explain how nothing actually happened.
I did things... they were interesting… whateveski ( oh my god, ellen, I heard someone say that in the hall the other day… so weird!)

Anyway…
I’ll talk to you all at some point I hope…or I’ll just read your blogs, that I appreciate that for most, are updated more frequently then mine.

Love Always,Miss Eleanor Mary Smith ( but to you, Nora, or ndog… not sure why)

2006-03-18T22:39:00.000-05:00

Well boys and girls… this week of care free days and Asian food is coming to an end.

Yup, it is Saturday (not to be confused with Saterday) Today is the last day that I can pretend that school does not exist, nor does any other activity I lend my time to. Tomorrow is Sunday, and only two hours and four minutes away, at this exact moment. Sunday may technically be a day off, however it has been soured. Sunday is the transition day, it cannot be carefree because of that cursèd Monday looming a few 24 hours away. Sunday is also the day that I am going to have to do all the work that has been piling up and waiting for me since my return from the Dominican. Plus the added expectation of me to return bright and early Monday morning with the information of every single page of The Great Gatsby securely with my brain ( I’m two pages in)… fuck.

* * *

I spent the past four day in the TO. I had damn good time. It’s surprising really. I mean I always enjoy myself when I head to the T dot. However these trips are for the main purpose of visiting my dear Ellen, not Toronto, it just happens to be where she lives. Which I must admit is an exciting added feature. But this past week I actually enjoyed the good old Toronto. Up to this point I always found Toronto to be a big polluted, smelly, concrete, noisy hole. Which it is... this time it was also windy as hell!!!!!
But Toronto and I spent some good one on one time together over the past few days, (I am a walking machine). We’ve bonded.
So not only did I get to spend the majority of my week with a city that makes me smile but with people who do the same. While I wasn’t busy wondering the streets of Toronto by my lonesome, I was joined by Amanda or Jordan. And on occasion both. With special appearances by Will and Kiersten, guest starring Miss Hurley herself. It was great. We smiled, fought, laughed, walked, shopped (more like browsed on my part), drank coffee, and froze. Couldn’t ask for more. And for those of you who did nothing for St. Patrick’s Day, or did not enjoy themselves… sucks to be you, I had a great time!
Joined by Amanda, Ellen, Jordan, Blake, Alex, and Carl of course. A pretty good way to end off my visit to Toronto.

Any hoo…. I got a little over an hour sleep last night, if I’m lucky… and writing this blog is consuming the little energy I have left.
And so I bid you Adieu.

Love always, ~Ndog

2006-03-12T15:02:00.000-05:00

Nora, the Angel

Just stumbled upon this, felt in necessary to share such truthful information with you all.

How evil are you?

2006-03-10T14:44:00.000-05:00

This signal here, I hope you can pick it up Loud and clear:
But if you've got too many doubts, If there's no good reception for me, Then tune me out, 'cause honey
Who needs the static - It hurts the head

As a result of the numerous requests that I have received demanding me to update this blog thing, I have been moved to do so. All that needs to be decided is about what.
I was in the DR, a lot happened.
It was amazing. I can’t really explain. I have been back for seven days now and they have been rather intense. Well really just the four days that consisted of school.
I thought that it was just the fact that my last week was so jam packed with everything, new language, people, personalities etc… that was making time fly by so fast. But now I realize that is not the only reason. This week was pretty damn fast too. And now that I think about it the preceding weeks were also of fast pace. This is something that is really starting to bother me. Time is passing me by so quickly and yet I feel like I am getting no where, not even slowly. I want SOMETHING to happen. I need a change. And so I move on. I am tired of going nowhere, just walking and talking. The only thing that seems to be doing anything is the clock that is simply ticking, repeatedly, marking every second that has passed me by.
One of the few times I was in a good mood this week was on Wednesday because rehearsal went so well. We actually finished ahead of schedule, using time effectively. I could walk away from the studio knowing I had accomplished something, being able to see the fruits of my labor. I really have no point, but I’ve been told to say something, and so I have.
This is a message for EVERYONE,email me. I want to hear something from you all. Something specialized for me, not some generalized blog. -Or better, call me or visit.

It’s march break, I’ve got time to be spent well, no one else I would rather spend it with then my favorite people in the world.

~Ndog
p.s. Excuse me sir, are you aware that your brow is furrowed

2006-02-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

To my Best Friend Days Before Her Birthday!

I figured that I must post so all of you don’t go completely insane due to Nora withdrawal during the next week. And so I post. In approximately twenty four hours I will be in the Dominican Republic. Exciting I know. However at the moment I’m not excited, I really just feel numb towards the whole experience. Truly I don’t know what my next week will be. I have gathered tales and such to prepare myself, however… all I can truly do is wait and see what the week will bring. To follow in tradition I will make out my will incase of fatal accident:

I would like all of my books (accept for my copy of Shakespeare: the Invention of the Human, and my second and newer copy of The Essential Guide to Shakespeare, I would like this to go to Amandaj. Cortes) shoes, and clothes ( maybe this will make up for all the clothes I have stolen from you over the years) to go to Ellen Hurley. (my best half)
Also to Miss Hurley, I bequeath the gourmet Earl Gray Tea I purchased for my brother and have not yet sent. Finally I give you full permission to hunt Kiersten down to retrieve my Hamlet: Poem Unlimited, which I would like to be cremated and sprinkled over my grave.

All of my music collection and stereo may go to Elyse Haid. ( however I still want my Kid A CD back you bastard, and buried with me, you’ve had it too long)

I would also like the money that has been saved for me for post secondary by my father (I realize this is not technically mine to give away, but who can refuse a dying persons last request.) to be split thusly. 40% to a Mr. Liam McKenna, 20% to Blake Bilyea, and 20% to Ben Eybergen. This money is to be used solely for post secondary (not trips to Scotland). And the final twenty per cent to go to Playmakers! However if one, two or all of the first three males are unable to take this money, or refuse to spend it in a wise manner I would like it all to go to Playmakers and the McKenna family.

I would like to leave my journals and favorite mugs to John Thomson.

I would like all my photographs to go to Carl Leushuis.

I would like to leave the remaining money I have of the two grand from my father, to go to Beth McCall. To be only spent on breakers. I also leave her my ‘Singing in the Rain’ DVD. Enjoy!

I would like my Cinderella DVD and collectable pin and poster of Cinderella, and all my old copies of playmakers scripts to go to Kiersten Hanly.

To Amandaj. Cortes, I not only leave you my second and newest copy of The Essential Guide to Shakespeare and Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human, but also my Cinderella II movie (I do appreciate the time, effort and thought put into that gift and am truly thankful) aswell all of my jewelry.

Lastly, Jordan Ruediger, you may keep my bracelet.
Love You All!

Everything else goes to my mother with my undying love.
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Have lots of fun,
Please pay special attention to both Grey’s Anatomy and House, as I will be demanding a full re-enactment for both upon my return.
See you all soon,

Love Always,Miss Eleanor Mary Smith

P.S. What is he to Hecuba or Hecuba to him.

2006-02-15T00:29:00.000-05:00

Be My Valentine,

Okay, here I go, post number three. I just had a thought that I thought I should get across to everyone. And just as I was going to put in email form I realized now wait just a gosh darn picking minute. Isn’t this the reason that I have a blog?
Why yes it is Nora, how clever of you to realize.So, anyway, when you all come down for reading week I am assuming there is going to be some kind of hoopla. Based on past experience I believe this to be a fairly strong hypothesis. And so I would like to ask a small favor, (well first of all not on a week night, but that’s obvious). I was hoping this weekend, not the one before you all leave. Not that both wouldn’t work however I would be unable to attend anything after the 23 seeing as how I will no longer be in the country. So you know… if you would enjoy my company please keep that in mind. This weekend, Not next.And so there is all I really have to say. In other news: I enjoyed handing out my valentines…
I enjoyed my pink cotton candy. I enjoyed the smile on the faces of those receiving their valentines.
I enjoyed a tasty meal at Features…
I enjoyed the company of Amanda Cortes. I did not enjoy getting stuck with some stranger in my drama class.
I did not enjoy the fact that in jumping to miss one puddle I directly landed in another, larger one and my shoes were then cold and wet for the rest of the day.
AND I am currently not enjoying comm. tech, seeing as how my group and I had this great idea to shoot a day in the life of a coffee house. Got all of the footage shot the day after the project was assigned. (Seeing as how the coffee house was the next day) Had some really great interviews, shots etc… and the when trying to transfer this to a computer we notice there is something wrong with the picture. Oh well I must be attaching something wrong or what not, knowing my computer skills. Um…NO. This time it was not my lack of computer knowledge that was holding me back. Someone chose to damage a camera, not tell Bissell, and then chance would have it that this malfunctioning camera would fall into the hands of one Nora Smith, who would then use it to record about forty five minutes worth of awesomeness. Then planning to edit for a couple days or so and finish the project early and feel pretty damn proud. But alas, you can’t always get what you want. And apparently when some ass chooses to withhold valuable damaged camera information you also can’t get what you need. So what am I going to do now? Oh I have to come up with a new idea and start all over again. Isn’t that fun. And so as much as I am positive that I will eventually enjoy this class and that Bissell’s a great guy and that com tech is awesome. It’s just got something against me. Not much else to say other then… I really do like Valentines Day for some reason, and you should all learn to stop being bitter about the fact that you are going to doe sad and alone and celebrate while you still can. As well I can’t wait to see you all for reading week! Remember, THIS weekend. Till Then,Keep on Rockin in the

Free World and Enjoy the Autumn Colours.

~Smithy

2006-02-07T23:31:00.000-05:00

To blog or not to blog, Hamlet is always the answer.

I suppose the original point of this whole blog thing is to keep in touch and let you know what I am up, I will get to that. First of all I must mention the highlight of my day. I went to the chiropractors today. And as fantastic my adjustment was that’s not the whole story. Having arrived a tad early chez Dr. Mike’s I took a seat in the waiting room. Now Liam being the only one to know the layout of the seating supplied, allow me to set the scene. (However all this buildup is really not worth it ladies and gents, but bear with me). There are chairs aligned with two walls of a rectangular shaped room, I took the seat closest to the edge (farthest away form the strangers...) and was the only one in view of the door (by happenstance). I then chose to listen to all the conversations of people making their appointment at the desk (right next to the door) to help waste my minutes away. As one gentleman vacated the building no one followed him in conversation so I chose to watch him leave.
I see him put on his coat.
I watch him do up the zipper and search the sea of shoes for his white and orange sneakers.
I see him consciously decide that tying his shoe laces was too much work and a waste of his time. I then watched him say goodbye to the friendly receptionist (Sue), open the door and curse as the brisk cool air greets him on the other side..
He should have thought to wear a scarf.
I then saw his right shoe lace stop swinging with the motion of his leg and remain stationary only to be stepped on by his left foot.
I then watched the man fall down the stairs,
Into a four foot pile of a fluffy, freezing, snow like substance,
Head First.
The man was not wearing a hat.
And was bald… limbs were flailing.

Having seen this I made and strange noise of some sort ( a muffled guffaw as it were) and made a very strange face. Remember how I mentioned I was the only one in view of the door. And so having just a few seconds ago been serenely staring in front of me seemingly lost in thought, this sudden and ugly noise and expression I made received quite a few glances and a rather harsh, you’re embarrassing me glare from my mother. I then took a few moments attempting to control my laughter and that was that.

There’s the story of the day folks….
And so anything else to say…
Well I fear that taking Com Tech, as amusing as I find Mr. Bissell to be, to have been a bit of a mistake.
First day we were being shown some basics: Okay class, now go to your desktop control and click on the L drive. That done I will now continue with very simple step by step instructions.
Five minutes onto his instructions I realize that he meant to click on that My Computer thing on my screen. Oh, I’m embarrassed but I have been listening so I can catch up. Okay L drive.. L drive.. oh no.
Maybe if I sit and stare at the screen and occasionally glance around it will all make sense… but alas, we can’t always get what we want. (as quoted by a mister Mic Jagger. And a mister House, but don’t even get me started on the episode today friends.. damn that Stacey.. I hate her, WELL DONE HOUSE!) I digress…. Where was I, ah yes, that god forsaken L drive.
All confidence shot I finally look around and ask a seemingly technologically advanced individually next to me for his assistance.
Um… excuse me, sorry… I can’t seem find the L drive… uh can you help me.
Response: Oh ya, sure it’s the one with the BIG L next to it.
Right…
it’s gonna be a long semester….

Love Always: Smithy

it is still my birthday for eight minutes.

2006-02-04T23:48:00.000-05:00

well it's my birthday... yup.. this is my blog..
we'll see where it goes..
i will most likely only be using this a means of commenting on the reading material offered to me through others.
However i caved and now have a blog... hell i may even post.

love always, smithy